U.S. patent application number 13/359624 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for mobile medical imaging system and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mobius Imaging, LLC. Invention is credited to Eugene A. Gregerson.
Application Number | 20120330087 13/359624 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42310216 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120330087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gregerson; Eugene A. |
December 27, 2012 |
MOBILE MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHODS
Abstract
A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support
structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in
which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating
up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry
can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base,
enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate
in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or
storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for
example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) applications.
Inventors: |
Gregerson; Eugene A.;
(Bolton, MA) |
Assignee: |
Mobius Imaging, LLC
Ayer
MA
|
Family ID: |
42310216 |
Appl. No.: |
13/359624 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12576681 |
Oct 9, 2009 |
8118488 |
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13359624 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/7 ; 324/309;
324/318; 378/195; 378/198; 378/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/0555 20130101;
A61B 6/0407 20130101; A61B 6/032 20130101; A61B 6/4405 20130101;
A61B 6/548 20130101; A61B 6/0478 20130101; A61B 6/4411 20130101;
A61B 6/508 20130101; A61B 6/4447 20130101; A61B 6/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/7 ; 378/198;
378/62; 378/195; 324/318; 324/309 |
International
Class: |
H05G 1/02 20060101
H05G001/02; A61M 36/12 20060101 A61M036/12; G01R 33/48 20060101
G01R033/48; A61B 6/04 20060101 A61B006/04; G01R 33/28 20060101
G01R033/28 |
Claims
1. A mobile medical imaging system, comprising: a base having a top
surface; a gantry ring having a bore and an image collection
apparatus, the gantry ring coupled to the base and positioned above
the top surface of the base, the gantry ring rotatable relative to
the base at least about 90 degrees with respect to an axis
extending generally normal to the top surface of the base; a
motorized system that translates the gantry ring along a length of
the base in an imaging mode; and a transport motor geared into at
least one wheel that drives the system in a transport mode.
2. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the at
least one wheels is coupled to the base.
3. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, further
comprising: a gimbal support connected to the base, the gantry ring
being attached to the gimbal support and suspended above the top
surface of the base, wherein the gantry ring translates by the
translation of the gimbal support on the base.
4. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the gimbal
support comprises a generally U-shaped support having arms
extending upwards from the base and connecting to opposite sides of
the gantry ring.
5. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 4, wherein the gantry
ring is pivotable with respect to the gimbal support to tilt the
gantry ring relative to the gimbal support and the base.
6. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the image
collection apparatus comprises an x-ray source and an x-ray
detector array.
7. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 6, wherein the x-ray
source and the x-ray detector rotate 360 degrees around the
interior of the gantry ring to obtain imaging data of an object
positioned within the bore.
8. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 7, wherein the x-ray
source and x-ray detector are mounted to a rotor, the rotor
rotating around the interior of the gantry ring.
9. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, further comprising
a pedestal mounted to the base; and a tabletop support mounted to
and disposed above the pedestal, the tabletop support extending at
least partially into the bore of the gantry ring.
10. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 9, wherein the
tabletop support is detachable from the pedestal.
11. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 9, wherein the
tabletop support comprises a surgical or trauma table.
12. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 9, wherein the
tabletop support comprises a chair for imaging of a seated
patient.
13. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 9, wherein the
tabletop support comprises a plurality of modular sections that can
be added to and removed from the tabletop support to modify the
configuration of the tabletop support.
14. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, further
comprising a pedestal mounted to the base, wherein the pedestal is
adapted to support any one of a plurality of interchangeable
tabletop supports.
15. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the base
has a length and a width, and the gantry translates over
substantially the entire length of the base.
16. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 15, further
comprising a pedestal mounted to the base at or near a first end of
the base, and the gantry ring translates over substantially the
entire length of the base from the pedestal to the second end of
the base.
17. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the
gantry ring translates at least about one meter along the length of
the base.
18. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the
gantry ring has an inner bore diameter that is greater than about
38 inches.
19. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 18, wherein the bore
diameter is between about 40 and 50 inches.
20. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the outer
diameter of the gantry ring is less than about 70 inches.
21. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the
gantry ring has a width of about 17 inches or less.
22. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 14, wherein the
gantry ring rotates about said axis between an imaging position,
wherein the bore of the gantry ring is faced generally in the
direction of the pedestal, and a transport position, wherein the
bore is faced generally perpendicular to the pedestal.
23. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 22, wherein the
system has a first width when the gantry ring is in an imaging
position and a second width when the gantry ring is in a transport
position, the second width being less than the first width.
24. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 14, wherein the
height of the pedestal above the top surface of the base is
adjustable.
25. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 14, wherein the
pedestal is rotatable about an axis extending generally normal to
the top surface of the base.
26. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 14, wherein the
pedestal is configured to receive and secure a tabletop support on
a top surface of the pedestal, and the tabletop support translates
in at least one direction relative to the pedestal and base.
27. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 14, further
comprising a releasable locking mechanism for securing a tabletop
support on a top surface of the pedestal.
28. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the
motorized system comprises at least one actuator for translating
and rotating the gantry ring on the base.
29. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, further
comprising a control system for controlling the operation of the
image collection equipment and the translation and rotation of the
gantry.
30. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, further
comprising a tabletop support mounted directly to the base, the
tabletop support extending at least partially into the bore of the
gantry ring.
31. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the
tabletop support comprises a chair.
32. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, further
comprising a retractable support element that extends upwards from
the base to support a cantilevered end of a tabletop support that
is mounted to a pedestal.
33. (canceled)
34. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the
system comprises a computed tomography (CT) imaging system.
35. The mobile medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the
system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.
36. A method of imaging an object, comprising: rotating a gantry
ring mechanically coupled to a base about an axis extending
generally normal to a top surface of the base, the gantry ring
rotating at least about 90 degrees from a transport position to an
imaging position; providing a tabletop support on a pedestal such
that the tabletop support extends from the pedestal into an imaging
area that is above the base and in the direction of the gantry
ring, an object to be imaged being provided on the tabletop
support; operating a motorized system to translate the gantry ring
in a first direction relative to the base; obtaining image data of
the object using an image collection apparatus on the gantry ring;
operating a transport motor geared into at least one wheel to drive
the base and gantry in a transport mode.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising: removing at least a
portion of the tabletop support from the imaging area; and rotating
the gantry ring at least about 90 degrees from the imaging position
to the transport position.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein the image collection apparatus
comprises an x-ray source and x-ray detector array.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein obtaining image data comprises
rotating at least one of the x-ray source and the x-ray detector
array around the interior of the gantry ring.
40. The method of claim 39, further comprising translating the
gantry while at least one of the x-ray source and x-ray detector
rotate in the gantry ring to perform a helical scan.
41. The method of claim 36, wherein rotating the gantry ring
comprises rotating a gimbal support with respect to the base, the
gimbal support being mounted to the base and extending upwards from
the base to suspend the gantry ring above the top surface of the
base.
42. The method of claim 36, wherein translating the gantry ring
comprises translating a gimbal support with respect to the base,
the gimbal support being mounted to the base and extending upwards
from the base to suspend the gantry ring above the top surface of
the base.
43. The method of claim 36, wherein the object being imaged
comprises a human or animal patient.
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising performing a medical
procedure on the patient while the patient is positioned on the
tabletop support.
45. The method of claim 44, further comprising translating the
gantry ring to provide access to the patient for a medical
procedure.
46. The method of claim 44, wherein the medical procedure comprises
brachytherapy.
47. The method of claim 43, further comprising: transporting the
tabletop support to the pedestal; securing the tabletop support on
the pedestal; adjusting the relative positions of the tabletop
support and the gantry ring until a region of interest of the
patient is located inside the gantry ring, and obtaining image data
of the region of interest; and removing the tabletop support from
the pedestal.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the tabletop support is
transported on a mobile cart.
49. The method of claim 36, further comprising: removing the
tabletop support from the pedestal and providing a second tabletop
support for a second imaging operation.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein at least one of the tabletop
supports comprises a chair.
51. The method of claim 36, wherein the transport motor is operated
to drive the base and gantry ring when the gantry ring is in the
transport position.
52. The medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the gantry ring
has an inner bore diameter that is greater than 38 inches, an outer
diameter that is less than 70 inches, and a width of less than 17
inches.
53. The medical imaging system of claim 52, wherein the inner bore
diameter is between about 40 and 50 inches, and the width of the
gantry ring less than about 15 inches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/576,681, filed Oct. 9, 2009 and claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/142,494, filed Jan. 5, 2009.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N/A
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is in the technical field of medical
imaging, including, for example, mobile computed tomography and
magnetic resonance imaging devices.
[0004] Conventional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance
(MR) imaging devices, are typically either immovable or exceedingly
difficult to transport and consist of multiple components including
the imaging gantry and a separate imaging table. It is difficult to
move these devices throughout a hospital because they have not been
designed to fit though standard hallways and the imaging table top
is unusable or unfit for procedures other than standard diagnostic
imaging or do not allow imaging with the patient in a sitting
position. In addition, a separate single procedure specific table
top is generally indexed to translate into and out of the imaging
device throughout a procedure thus limiting its practical
applications beyond diagnostic imaging. Moving such devices
typically requires several strong persons, or a sturdy wheeled
vehicle such as a reinforced wagon or hand cart. The difficulties
of moving such a device throughout a hospital or office are
multiplied when the device needs to be moved from one floor to
another. Further, it is not an uncommon experience to realize that
the device cannot pass through the doorway without its widening.
Further, the devices cannot readily be moved from spot to spot once
inside a room.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with the present invention, an easily
transportable mobile medical imaging device is disclosed. The
mobile medical imaging device allows for multiple procedural
support structures, such as a surgical table or a seat, to be
attached. An imaging gantry is provided that is indexed to the
patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In a preferred
embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt
with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple
orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to
facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging
device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography
and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (magnetic resonance)
applications.
[0006] According to one embodiment, a medical imaging system
comprises a base; a pedestal mounted to the base; a gimbal support
mounted to the base; and a gantry ring that is attached to the
gimbal support and is suspended above the top surface of the base.
The gantry ring includes an image collection apparatus, such as an
x-ray source and an x-ray detector array, for obtaining image data
from an object located within the bore of the gantry ring. The
gantry ring can translate in a first direction relative to the base
and rotate at least about 90 degrees with respect to an axis
extending generally normal to the top surface of the base. In
certain embodiments, the gantry ring can also tilt with respect to
the gimbal support.
[0007] The gimbal support can be a generally U-shaped support
having arms extending upwards from the base and connecting to
opposite sides of the gantry ring. The gimbal support can translate
and rotate with respect to the base in order to translate and
rotate the gantry ring on the base. The base is preferably a mobile
base having one or more wheels attached to the base.
[0008] The imaging system can further comprise a tabletop support
mounted to and disposed above the pedestal, the tabletop support
extending at least partially into the bore of the gantry ring. The
tabletop support can support an object, typically an individual or
an animal to be imaged. The tabletop support can be detachable from
the pedestal, and the pedestal can be adapted to support any one of
a plurality of interchangeable tabletop supports, including, for
example, surgical or trauma tables, modular tabletops, and chairs
for imaging of a seated patient. The system can include means for
adjusting the height of the tabletop support relative to the base,
as well as for translating the tabletop support in one or more
directions relative to the pedestal.
[0009] The gantry ring can have a relatively large imaging bore
having a diameter greater than about 38 inches and generally
between about 40 and 50 inches. The overall dimensions of the
gantry ring are generally relatively small in order to improve the
portability of the system. For example, the outer diameter of the
gantry is generally less than about 70 inches and the width of the
gantry ring is typically about 17 inches or less.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the gantry ring rotates with respect
to the base between an imaging position, in which the bore of the
gantry ring is faced generally in the direction of the pedestal,
and a transport position, in which the bore is faced generally
perpendicular to the pedestal and in-line with the base. By
rotating the gantry ring into the transport position, the overall
width of the system is reduced, which allows for easier transport
of the system through doors and hallways.
[0011] The present invention further includes methods of imaging an
object using an imaging system as described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description of the
invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mobile imaging system of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of the imaging system of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an imaging system including a tabletop
support supporting a patient and the gantry ring tilted and
partially rotated relative to the base;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of an imaging system with the gantry
ring and gimbal support translated to the distal end of the
base;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of the imaging system of FIG. 4 with
the gantry ring and gimbal support translated to the pedestal side
of the base;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of an imaging system with the tabletop
support vertically displaced from the pedestal and the gantry ring
tilted in a first direction with respect to the gimbal support;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side view of the imaging system of FIG. 6 with
the gantry ring tilted in the opposite direction with respect to
the gimbal support;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a gantry ring
having an x-ray source and an x-ray detector array on a rotor;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a side view of the gantry ring;
[0022] FIGS. 10A and 10B are side and top views, respectively, of
an imaging system of the invention in an imaging position;
[0023] FIGS. 11A and 11B are side and top views, respectively, of
the imaging system of FIGS. 10A and 10B in a transport
position;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a side view of an imaging system with a flat
operating tabletop support mounted on the pedestal;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a side view of an imaging system with a modular,
sectional tabletop support mounted on the pedestal;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a side view of an imaging system with a tabletop
support in the form of a chair for imaging a seated patient;
[0027] FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate a patient tabletop support that is
transported to an imaging system on a mobile cart for imaging a
patient and then removed from the imaging system using the mobile
cart;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a side view of an imaging system having a rod to
reinforce the cantilevered end of the tabletop support;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an imaging system
having a chair support mounted to the distal end of the base;
[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates an imaging system of the invention
performing a helical scanning procedure; and
[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates an imaging system of the invention and a
specialized support with a medical device for performing a
procedure on a patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/576,681, filed Oct. 9, 2009 and claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/142,494, filed Jan. 5, 2009, the
entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a mobile imaging system 100
according to one embodiment of the invention includes a mobile base
20, a gimbal support 30, a gantry ring 40, and a pedestal 50. FIGS.
1 and 2 are side and front views, respectively, of the mobile
medical imaging system 100. The system 100 includes image
collection devices, such as a rotatable x-ray source and detector
array or stationary magnetic resonance imaging components, that are
housed within the gantry ring 40. The system 100 is configured to
collect imaging data, such as, for example x-ray computed
tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, from an
object located within the bore 41 of the gantry ring 40, in any
manner known in the medical imaging field. As shown in FIG. 3, the
pedestal 50 is adapted to support a tabletop support 60 that can be
attached to the pedestal 50 in a cantilevered manner and extend out
into the bore 41 of the gantry ring 40 to support a patient or
other object being imaged.
[0034] The base 20 is a sturdy, generally rectilinear support
platform. The base 20 may be mobile, with wheels 23 (FIGS. 1 and 2)
that allow the entire imaging system 100 to be easily moved. The
dimensions of the base 20 are such that the system 100 can be
located in and operated comfortably in an operating room or an
emergency room or an examination room. The length and width of the
base 20 are preferably designed to allow the system 100 to fit
through most standard-sized doorways (i.e., generally 24-36 inches
wide), and to be easily transported through corridors and elevators
generally found in hospitals and other health-care
environments.
[0035] The gimbal support 30 (FIGS. 1-7) is a generally U-shaped
support that is mounted to the top surface of base 20 and includes
a pair of arms 31, 33 extending up from base. The arms 31, 33 are
connected to opposite sides of gantry ring 40 so that the ring is
suspended above base 20 and gimbal support 30.
[0036] The gimbal support 30, and the gantry ring 40 to which it is
attached, can translate on the base 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 4
and 5. The gimbal support 30 can translate along a substantial
portion of the length of the base 20. In certain embodiments, the
gimbal support 30 and gantry ring 40 can translate about 2 meters
or more, which allows the gantry ring to image along any desired
anatomical region of a human patient lying on a patient support.
The translation distance is generally at least about 1 meter, which
enables full body coverage depending on the orientation of the
patient. In one embodiment, the gimbal support 30 can translate
over a substantial portion of the base so that the gimbal support
30 and gantry ring 40 can be moved completely out of the way (i.e.,
in a "park" position) when the gantry is not in use in order to
maximize access to the patient, such as for a surgical
procedure.
[0037] The gantry ring 40 can be connected to the gimbal support 30
such that the ring 40 can pivot about an axis (x-axis in FIG. 2)
relative to the gimbal support 30 and the base 20. FIG. 3
illustrates the gantry ring 40 pivoted or tilted with respect to
the gimbal support 30. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the gantry ring 40
being tilted in two opposing directions.
[0038] The gimbal support 30 is mounted to the base 30 such that
the gimbal support 30 and the gantry ring 40 can rotate about an
axis (y-axis in FIGS. 1-3) relative to the base 30. This is
illustrated in FIG. 3, in which the gimbal support 30 and gantry
ring 40 are rotated slightly with respect to the base 20.
[0039] The pedestal 50 is mounted to the base 20. As shown in FIGS.
1-7, the pedestal 50 is mounted to the top surface of the base 20,
though it could be mounted elsewhere, such as to the end of the
base. The pedestal 50 can be located at or near one end of the base
20, which allows the gimbal support 30 a maximum distance over
which to translate on the base.
[0040] The pedestal 50 comprises a sturdy support structure that
extends generally vertically upwards from the base 20. As shown in
FIGS. 3-7, the pedestal 50 is designed to securely hold a tabletop
support 60 upon which the object to be imaged is supported. In one
embodiment, the pedestal 50 includes a releasable locking mechanism
that allows a tabletop support, or a portion thereof, to be
attached to the pedestal 50 for imaging operations and removed from
the pedestal 50 for storage and transport of the system 100. In
addition, as discussed in greater detail below, a plurality of
different tabletop supports can be attached and detached from the
pedestal, where the tabletop supports are each customized for a
particular application.
[0041] Generally, the pedestal 50 extends up from the base 20 to a
height such that a tabletop support attached to the pedestal 50
will be approximately equal in height to the isocenter of the
gantry ring. In certain embodiments, the height of the pedestal 50
can be adjusted up or down in the vertical, y-axis direction. This
y-axis movement of the pedestal can be achieved by telescoping the
pedestal, or by any other means known in the art, such as with a
pole or ball screw. FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, illustrate the
pedestal 50 and a tabletop support 60 displaced vertically by
distance, d, in the y-axis. Also, in some embodiments, the pedestal
50 is configured so that a tabletop support 60 attached to the top
of the pedestal 50 can move relative to the pedestal 50 and base
20. In some embodiments, the tabletop support 60 can have at least
two-degrees-of-freedom relative to the pedestal 50 and base 20. The
tabletop support 60 can translate along the imaging axis (z-axis)
to move the tabletop support 60 towards or away from the gantry
ring 40, and preferably into and out of the bore of the gantry ring
40. FIG. 3 illustrates the tabletop support 60 partially translated
by distance, t, along the z-axis. In some embodiments, the tabletop
support 60 can also translate along the x-axis, or into/out of the
page in FIG. 3. The translation of the tabletop support 60 relative
to the pedestal and base can be achieved through any known means,
such as a rail and bearing system.
[0042] According to yet another aspect, the pedestal 50 can rotate
with respect to the base 20 about the y-axis.
[0043] The imaging system 100 can include one or more mechanical
actuators, as are known in the art, to control and effect the
above-described motions--i.e., the tilt motion of the gantry ring
relative to the gimbal support, the translation and rotation of the
gimbal support relative to the base, the up-down motion of the
pedestal, the z-axis and x-axis translation of the tabletop
support, and the y-axis rotation of the pedestal. All of these
respective motions can be controlled by a central computerized
system controller 102 (FIG. 3). The system controller 102 can be
included on the system, such as housed inside the pedestal 50, as
shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the system controller is
located off the system 100, such as in a mobile cart, and may
comprise a general purpose computer programmed to provide the
desired control functions and user interface, and is in electrical
communication with the system 100, such as via a cable or wireless
link. The control system 102 can also control the operation of the
imaging device(s) on the gantry ring 40, as discussed further
below.
[0044] It will be understood that the above-described movements of
the gantry ring 40, gimbal support 30, pedestal 50 and tabletop
support 60 are not required in all embodiments, and that some or
all of these movements, if provided, can be made manually by an
operator rather than by a motorized system. The advantages of the
various movements described above is that they can aid in the
loading and unloading of objects to be imaged onto and off of the
imaging system, they allow for fine-tuning of the positioning of
the object for imaging applications, and they enable a wide variety
of imaging angles and scanning operations.
[0045] Other components of the system 100 include a power supply
101, which can be a rechargeable battery-based power supply, a user
display 103 and a user input system 105 for controlling the
operation of the system. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, these
components are shown on the imaging system 100, for example, housed
within or attached to the pedestal 50, though it will be understood
that some or all of these components could be located off the
system 100, such as on a separate mobile cart.
[0046] The imaging system 100 can also include a motor that is
geared into the wheels 23 to propel the system 100 across a floor.
The system 100 can also include a steering mechanism, such as
handle 107. The handle 107 in this embodiment is shown attached to
pedestal 50, though it could be located elsewhere on the system,
including on the gimbal support 30.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 8, the gantry ring 40 is shown in a
head-on, cross-sectional view to illustrate the imaging components
inside the gantry ring 40, according to one embodiment of the
invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the gantry ring 40 comprises a
generally O-shaped housing that surrounds and defines an inner bore
41. Inside the housing are imaging components, including in this
embodiment, an x-ray source 43 and an x-ray detector array 45, as
are known in the field of computed tomography. The source 43 and
the detector 45 are positioned on opposite sides of the ring. In
certain embodiments, the source and detector rotate around the
interior of the housing in coordination with each another to
perform an imaging scan of an object located within the bore 41. In
the embodiment of FIG. 8, both the source and the detector are
mounted to a rotor 47, and the rotor 47 is rotated within the
gantry ring 40 to effect the x-ray scanning. A motor and drive
mechanism can controllably rotate the rotor within the ring 40, as
is known in the art. Electrical signals, including for example,
electrical power and control signals to the imaging equipment, and
data signals from the imaging equipment, can be passed between the
rotor 47 and the rest of the imaging system via a slip ring or
cable system, or via any manner known in the art. In some
embodiments, at least some of the signals can be passed via a
wireless link between the control system and the imaging equipment
on the rotor. Also, in some embodiments, all or a portion of the
electrical power for the imaging equipment can be provided by a
power supply located on the rotor 47, such as a rechargeable
battery-based power supply.
[0048] The outer shell or housing of the gantry ring 40 can be
comprised of any sufficiently rigid and strong material, such as
high-strength plastic, metal, carbon fiber and the like. The outer
diameter of the ring 40 can be relatively small to improve the
portability of the system 100. In a preferred embodiment, the outer
diameter of the ring 40 is less than about 70 inches, and in one
embodiment is about 66 inches. In addition, the interior diameter
of the ring 40, or bore 41 diameter, can be sufficiently large to
allow for the widest variety of patient support tables to fit
inside the bore, and to facilitate access to a subject located
inside the bore. In one embodiment, the bore diameter of the gantry
ring 40 is greater than about 38 inches, and can be between about
40 and 50 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the bore has a
diameter of about 42 inches.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a side view of the gantry ring 40. As can be seen
from FIG. 9, the gantry ring 40 generally has a narrow profile
which is consistent with the portability of the system. This can
also help facilitate the mobility of the system, such as in a
transport mode, as discussed below. In one embodiment, the width of
the gantry ring 40 is less than about 17 inches, and can be about
15 inches or less.
[0050] Turning now to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B, the imaging
system 100 is illustrated in an imaging position and a transport
position. FIGS. 10A and 10B are side and top views, respectively,
of the imaging system 100 in an imaging position. In this position,
a tabletop support 60, shown in phantom, is mounted to the pedestal
50 and extends from the pedestal 50 in a cantilevered manner in the
direction of the gantry ring 40. The gantry ring 40 is oriented
generally perpendicular to the length of the base 20, and the bore
41 imaging axis 80 faces generally towards the pedestal 50 and
parallel to the length of the base 20. At least a portion of the
tabletop support 60 extends inside the bore 41, such that an object
on the tabletop support 60 can be imaged using the imaging
equipment in the gantry ring 40. As previously discussed, the
gantry ring 40 can translate along the length of the base 20 to
obtain images of the object along the imaging axis 80. In FIGS. 11A
and 11B, the imaging system 100 is in a transport position. The
tabletop support 60 has been removed from the imaging area. In the
transport position, the gantry ring 40 is oriented generally
parallel to, or in-line with, the length of the base 20. The bore
41 imaging axis 80 is now generally perpendicular to the length of
the base 20. The profile of the system 100 is thus dramatically
reduced in comparison to the imaging position, such that the system
in a transport position is typically only as wide as the width of
the base 20 and pedestal 50. This advantageously allows the system
100 to be more easily transported through narrow doors and
hallways. The imaging system 100 can easily switch between an
imaging position and a transport position, and vice versa, by
rotating the gantry ring 40 with respect to the base 20. This can
be done by rotating the gimbal support 30, which carries the gantry
ring 40, on the base 20. The gantry ring 40 can be rotatable with
respect to the base 20 at least about 90 degrees to switch between
a transport position and an imaging position. In certain
embodiments, the gantry 40 can rotate more that 90 degrees,
including, for example, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees or
more, relative to the base 20. Further, the rotation of the gantry
ring 40 with respect to the base can be bi-directional (i.e., both
clockwise and counterclockwise).
[0051] As seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the tabletop support 60 used
for imaging applications is at least partially removed from the
imaging area when the system 100 is in a transport mode. This is
required in order to provide sufficient clearance for the gantry
ring 40 to rotate from an imaging position to the narrower
transport configuration. In certain embodiments, the tabletop
support 60 is removed from the imaging area by detaching the entire
tabletop support 60, or a portion thereof, from the pedestal 50. In
other embodiments, the tabletop support 60 can be removed from the
imaging area by other means, such as by sliding the tabletop
support out of the imaging area, folding the tabletop support over
to provide sufficient clearance for the gantry ring, by retracting
a portion of the tabletop support, such as by an accordion- or
telescoping-action, or by a combination of the above.
[0052] In one embodiment, the imaging system 100 is configured to
receive a plurality of different tabletop support 60 structures,
wherein different tabletop supports 60 are procedure-specific and
customized to particular applications. The tabletop supports 60 can
be conventional radiological tables, and can also comprise true
surgical and trauma tables. The tabletop supports 60 can also
comprise chairs to permit imaging of a patient in a seated
position. FIGS. 12-14 illustrate various examples of tabletop
supports 60 that can be attached to the pedestal 50 for an imaging
operation. FIG. 12 illustrates a flat, operating tabletop support
60 that is mounted to the pedestal 50 and cantilevered into the
imaging area. The tabletop support 60 can be wholly or partially
radiolucent. FIG. 13 illustrates a modular tabletop support 60 that
includes sections 61 that can be added to and removed from the
tabletop support, and oriented relative to one another, to provide
a wide variety of patient orientations. FIG. 14 illustrates a
tabletop support 60 in the form of a chair that allows imaging of a
seated patient. This configuration permits the imaging of a
patient's chest area while in a seated position. The chair can be
rotatable on the pedestal 50 at least 90 degrees, and in some cases
180 degrees or more, from an imaging position to a position that
allows greater access to the patient by medical professionals.
[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, the tabletop
support 60 is transported to the imaging system 100 on a mobile
cart 90. A patient can be pre-positioned and prepped on the cart 90
and then moved to the imaging system 100. The entire tabletop
support 60 can then be moved over and locked onto the top of
pedestal 50 with the patient already in position for imaging and/or
a medical procedure. As shown in FIG. 15B, the cart 90 is released
from the tabletop support 60, and the tabletop support 60 is
positioned inside the gantry ring 40 for an imaging application.
The positioning of the tabletop support 60 within the system 100
can include any or all of the tabletop support movements previously
described, including, for example, the z-axis and x-axis tabletop
translation relative to the pedestal 50, the up/down y-axis motion
of the pedestal 50, the y-axis rotation of the pedestal 50, as well
as a multi-axis tilt motion of the tabletop relative to the
pedestal. Following the imaging procedure, the tabletop support 60,
along with the imaged subject, can be unlocked from the pedestal 50
and removed from the imaging system 100 via the cart 90, as shown
in FIG. 15C. Alternatively, the tabletop support 60 can remain
attached to the pedestal 50 while a medical procedure is performed
on the imaged subject. When an imaging subject is undergoing a
procedure, the gimbal support 30 and the gantry ring 40 can be
translated to either the furthest distal or the furthest proximal
position on the base 20, in a "park" mode, to provide the greatest
amount of access to the patient by medical professionals. In one
embodiment, the gimbal support 30 and gantry ring 40 can translate
along substantially the full length of the base 20 between the
pedestal 50 and the distal end of the base, to maximize both the
area over which the subject can be imaged and the area in which the
imaging subject can be freely accessed when not being imaged.
[0054] It will be understood that virtually any type of tabletop
support structure can be used in the present imaging system. For
example, the present imaging system can utilize medical tables, and
related accessories, of the type described in the JUPITER system
brochure (11/2008) from TRUMPF Medezin Systeme GmbH & Co. KG of
Puchheim, Germany, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference. Furthermore, although the present embodiments
illustrate tabletop supports that can be used for medical imaging
of human patients, it will be understood that the present invention
encompasses any suitable tabletop support structure, including
those designed for or suitable to support non-human subjects and
non-living objects and materials.
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 16, an embodiment of the invention is
illustrated that includes a cantilevered tabletop support 60 with a
pole 61 to provide additional support for the distal, cantilevered
end of the tabletop support 60. The pole 61 can be attached to the
base 20, and in certain embodiments, the pole 61 can extend from
and retract wholly or partially into the base 20, such as in a
telescoping manner.
[0056] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which
a tabletop support 60 is mounted directly to the distal end of the
base 20. In this embodiment, the tabletop support 60 comprises a
chair that enables imaging of a patient in a sitting position.
[0057] FIG. 18 illustrates a helical scanning imaging application
of the present invention. The imaging equipment (e.g., x-ray source
and detector) rotate around the interior of the gantry ring 40 to
obtain imaging data, while the gantry ring 40 and gimbal support 30
simultaneously translate along the base 20. The arrow 111 indicates
the path of the imaging equipment around the patient in a helical
scan. The present imaging system is thus able to obtain true
helical scan x-ray CT images, as are well-known in the art.
[0058] FIG. 19 is a side view of an embodiment of the present
imaging system 100 in which the gantry ring 40 is tilted on the
gimbal support 30. A patient is supported partially on tabletop
support 60 and partially on a specialized support 70 that enables
the patient to be imaged in a stirrup position. The specialized
support 70 further includes a medical device 71 for performing a
medical procedure on the patient. The present system thus enables
medical personnel to obtain high-quality images of the patient,
including 3D tomographic reconstructions, while performing a
medical procedure on the patient. The present system is
particularly advantageous, for example, for performing
brachytherapy.
[0059] It will be understood that the imaging systems described
herein may be constructed of any sufficiently rigid and strong
materials such as high-strength plastic, metal, carbon fiber and
the like, as well as combinations of the same.
[0060] The advantages of the present invention include, without
limitation, that the present imaging systems in certain embodiments
are portable and exceedingly easy to transport. Embodiments of
present imaging system are easy to move into a hospital, office or
elevator because the device is relatively small and lightweight.
Moving such a device typically requires only a single person, even
when taking the system up or down a ramp. Further, certain
embodiments of the system can pass through most standard doorways
without requiring any widening of the doorways. Further, the system
can easily be moved from spot to spot once inside a room.
[0061] In one aspect, the present invention is an imaging system in
which an imaging gantry ring can tilt, rotate or translate along a
mobile base with a detachable or movable patient tabletop support,
thus allowing the apparatus to be easily transportable. The
rotation and tilt axes of the gantry ring permits the gantry ring
to be oriented generally perpendicular to the mobile base, allowing
a cantilevered tabletop support to pass through the center of the
gantry ring in certain imaging modes, and further allows the gantry
ring to be rotated generally in-line with the mobile base in a
transport mode, thus allowing the apparatus to be as narrow as
possible to pass through hallways, corridors or elevators.
[0062] Those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the
existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the
specific embodiments, methods, and examples disclosed herein. The
invention should therefore not be limited except by the scope and
spirit of the appended claims.
* * * * *